Bernese Mountain Dog

Posted on 22. May, 2009 by admin in Curly Coat Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds B, Medium Coat Dog Breeds, Working Dogs

The Bernese Mountain Dog

Also called Berner Sennenhund or Bouvier Bernois, the origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog breed is not well documented, but many believe they are descendent of the molossus war dogs, a mastiff type dogs brought to Switzerland over 2,000 years ago by the Romans legions. They were bred in the canton of Berne as a farm dog in the Swiss mountains.

This fantastic breed has a long list of qualities. They are extremely hardy, alert, and highly intelligent. The Bernese Mountain Dog is generally tolerant, good natured, gentle and protective but not aggressive. The Bernese Mountain Dog prefer cool climates because of his heavy coat he does not do well in warm weather.

Breed Group

Working

Size

23 – 28 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

70 – 120 lbs

Color(s)

The Bernese Mountain Dog is instantly recognized by its typical tricolor pattern: jet black with markings of clear white, rich reddish brown on his legs.

Coat

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick and beautiful, moderately long and weather-resistant double coat.

Life Expectancy

About 6 – 10 years. Prone to cancer, it is relatively rare for this breed to live longer than ten years.

Personality

A friend for life, he is a one-owner dog. They are very loyal and may find it difficult to adjust to a new owner after they are 18 months old. The Bernese Mountain Dog breed tends to be affectionate, steadfast, self-confident and intelligent. The Bernese is typically good with children, fairly friendly with strangers and is generally good with other animals, they thrive on human companionship and need plenty of family and social interaction. Just don’t provoke these dogs, a Bernese Mountain Dog who has really lost his temper is a fearsome thing, when on the attack they are fast, powerful and efficient.

Care

The Bernese Mountain Dog is typically a hardy breed, but beware of cancers (unfortunately a very large part of the Berner breed), stillbirths, hip and elbow dysplasia, serious metabolic bone diseases, also prone to bloat and eyelid problems, kidney and autoimmune diseases. The Bernese Mountain Dog require daily to weekly brushing, with extra care needed when the coat is shedding because he is a seasonal, heavy shedder. A periodic bath or dry shampoo as necessary.

Training

They are extremely sensitive and should be trained gently with positive techniques such as fairness and consistency. Although intelligent and easy to train they learns slowly, but they retains what they are taught. The Bernese Mountain Dog original purpose was haul bovine or carts of milk and groceries to market, but they excel in obedience, tracking, herding, and agility to.

Activity

Large active dogs such as these are not recommended for apartment life. The Bernese Mountain Dog requires an inordinate amount of exercise, a minimum half hour up to two hours of vigorous exercise and outdoor time a day. They also need a large yard to run and play.

Related Posts:

• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (1)
• Standard Schnauzer (1)
• Siberian Husky (26)
• Samoyed (8)
• Saint Bernard (0)

Tags: bernese mountain dog, dog breed, dog breeds, mountain dog, working dog